May 23, 2014

* With continuing tensions between Ukraine and Russia ahead of Sunday's Ukrainian presidential election, Baptists in the region called for a day of prayer. At a meeting of the Euro-Asiatic Federation in Kazakhstan, leaders of twelve different Baptist unions - including those in Ukraine and Russia - issued a good statement urging prayer and peace.

* Congress is apparently so addicted to war spending that it is even blocking efforts by the Pentagon to cut some unnecessary costs. Ironically, many of the lawmakers refusing to allow cuts to outdated weapons or other unneeded operations often campaign on the need to cut more federal spending. Meanwhile, the military-industrial complex that President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned us about keeps on going.

* On Tuesday, Georgia Republicans rejected two Tea Party congressmen who were hoping to win the nomination for U.S. Senate. Representatives Paul Broun and Phil Gingrey both trailed well behind more establishment candidates and will therefore be out of Congress come January. Given their often hyperbolic and hateful rhetoric - especially from Broun - Congress will be better without them. Thanks to Georgia Republicans for deciding to back more civil candidates. Early last year, both congressmen were at the top of the polls, but they finished fourth and fifth in the election. This vote - and a few other recent Republican primary results - suggest the Tea Party might be falling apart.